

Dealing With Chinese Drones || Peter Zeihan
18 snips Feb 10, 2025
Chinese ambitions to manufacture over a million combat-ready drones pose significant questions for global security. The discussion dives into the potential impact on naval combat, particularly against the U.S. military. Comparisons are made to modern warfare in Ukraine, emphasizing the limitations faced by these drones despite sheer numbers. Additionally, the podcast explores the evolving dynamics of drone warfare, including possible weapon system transfers to Russia and the challenges posed by difficult terrains.
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China's Drone Threat
- China plans to deploy a million combat drones within two years.
- These drones, however, have limited range, posing a minimal threat to US naval vessels.
Drone Vulnerability
- Drones, like the Iranian Shaheed, are slow and easily avoidable by moving naval ships.
- Their effectiveness depends on constant telemetry and line-of-sight control, making them vulnerable in naval combat.
Targeting Challenges for Chinese Drones
- Chinese drones face targeting issues due to reliance on telemetry links and reconnaissance satellites.
- The US could quickly neutralize these satellites in a conflict, rendering Chinese long-range weapons blind.